Fairgrounds CEO's home repeatedly vandalized

The head of the Orange County Fairgrounds will get a $3,000 home security system installed at his home at public expense after several cases of vandalism. The incidents are believed to be connected to the sale of the fairgrounds. The Orange County Fair Board voted unanimously to pay for a home security system to protect its chief executive officer, Steve Beazley, his wife and two young children.

"I just want my kids to be able to sleep easy, my family and my home to be able experience the peace I think we deserve," said Beazley.

Beazley's home in Costa Mesa was vandalized four times. Most recently, three weeks ago, someone threw a vial of noxious liquid at the house.

Beazley says the first crime happened last summer when someone distributed fliers throughout the neighborhood falsely accusing him of crimes against women and children.

Vandals have also thrown eggs. Police are investigating the crimes. The incidents are believed to be related to the sale of the fairgrounds.

The proposed sale sparked numerous protests since state lawmakers voted last July to sell the 150 acres to help ease state budget problems. Beazley has supported the sale as long as the annual summer fair continues, and local fair officials can run things without having to answer to state bureaucrats.

The state recently rejected bids to buy the fairgrounds.

"Keep the dissent, whatever that might be, keep it here on the grounds. Don't bring it into homes and neighborhoods," said Beazley.

The board will spend $3,000 for the surveillance system for Beazley's home.

"I don't have a problem with it at all because they're being harassed in numerous ways," said neighbor Barbara Hayward.

Beazley hopes the vandalism will end. Then he says the security system will be turned over to the fairgrounds.